Beats Audiohttp://www.businessinsider.com/category/beats-audio
en-usSun, 02 Aug 2015 17:01:11 -0400Sun, 02 Aug 2015 17:01:11 -0400The latest news on Beats Audio from Business Insiderhttp://static3.businessinsider.com/assets/images/bilogo-250x36-wide-rev.pngBusiness Insiderhttp://www.businessinsider.com
http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-lawyers-defend-beats-against-claims-it-cut-out-old-partner-from-sale-2015-6Apple responds to claim from old Beats partner: 'Regret is insufficient' (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-lawyers-defend-beats-against-claims-it-cut-out-old-partner-from-sale-2015-6
Mon, 22 Jun 2015 16:17:00 -0400Nathan McAlone
<p dir="ltr"><span><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/543ecef669bedd51067e8468-1200-924/dr-dre-and-jimmy-iovine-at-usc-70-million-donation-3.jpg" border="0" alt="dr. dre and jimmy iovine at usc $70 million donation">In </span><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-06-22/beatrayed-by-dre-"><span>a new profile by Bloomberg</span></a><span>, Monster CEO Noel Lee tells the tale of how he was allegedly betrayed by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine and cut out of Beats’ $3.2 billion sale to Apple. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>In the early days of Beats, Monster was the manufacturing partner who manufactured, marketed, and distributed Beats headphones, paying Dre and Iovine a 19% fee for using both the Beats name and their celebrity cachet. But Lee says that wasn't all Monster brought to the table.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Lee claims he came up with the whole idea. “[Dre and Iovine] were talking about building a better speaker, and I said, ‘Headphones are the new speakers. Let’s make headphones together.’ And that’s where Beats came from,” Lee </span><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-06-22/beatrayed-by-dre-"><span>told Bloomberg</span></a><span>.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">Dre and Iovine, of course, dispute this.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">According to Iovine, he and Dr. Dre <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-story-of-how-beats-by-dr-dre-was-started-2014-10">came up with the idea for Beats when they bumped into each other on the beach</a>, and while it sounds like the idea did evolve from sneakers to speakers to speakers&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>headphones, Iovine says that all happened on the beach.</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ae552a3c-1551-3faa-aa7d-02765ed83f4d">I was walking down the beach one day and I ran into Andre Young, Dr. Dre.</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ae552a3c-1551-3faa-aa7d-02765ed83f4d">I was exercising, and I said, 'How’re you doing?' And Dre is very soft-spoken, doesn’t talk much, he just said to me, 'Yo, my lawyer, he wants me to sell sneakers — what do you think?'<br class="kix-line-break"></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;" dir="ltr">I said, 'Dre, nobody in the world cares about how you dress or will care about your sneakers. What you should sell is&nbsp;<em>speakers</em>.' At that moment, he said to me, 'We can do that?' And I said, 'F--- yeah.'</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;" dir="ltr"><span>He said, 'You know I use this word ‘beats, you know, I make beats, right, so 'Beats by Dr. Dre.'</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;" dir="ltr"><span>I said, 'OK, headphones ... beats ... by Dr. Dre — headphones and speakers.'&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">He said, 'I’m in,' a</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;" id="docs-internal-guid-ae552a3c-1557-6d10-1086-a9ce1b7da9f6">nd that was the beginning of the company, and that’s exactly how it happened.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Lee is </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/monster-sues-beats-jimmy-iovine-and-dr-dre-2015-1"><span>currently suing</span></a><span> Dre, Iovine, and the phone company HTC, accusing them of masterminding a sham acquisition of Beats by HTC to trigger a specific clause in Monster’s contract. That clause allowed Beats to end its manufacturing agreement with Monster if there was a change in ownership of the company.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>“We didn’t think that much about it,” Lee </span><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-06-22/beatrayed-by-dre-"><span>said to Bloomberg</span></a><span>. “We saw ourselves as in business with Dre and Jimmy for the long term.” What he didn’t count on was Dre and Iovine selling the company to HTC and then buying it back. And Lee claims it was all to lay groundwork for the Apple acquisition.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/536cf8c6eab8ea3a0f3e69bf-1200-600/monster-noel-lee-kevin-lee-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Monster Noel Lee Kevin Lee "><br></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If Apple believes there is any kernel of truth to Lee’s version of the history of Beats, it’s doing a good job hiding it. Though Apple is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, its lawyers are defending Dre and Iovine. And they are coming out swinging.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>“Lee apparently regrets his business decisions and now asks that he and Monster be excused from as many of their contractual obligations as possible, but regret is insufficient,” Apple’s lawyers assert, </span><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-06-22/beatrayed-by-dre-"><span>according to Bloomberg</span></a><span>.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c8ab52e5-1c9e-5099-6139-36f05b55dff5"><span>It's not hard to see that Apple clearly believes it owes Noel Lee nothing.</span></span></p>
<p>You can read the <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-06-22/beatrayed-by-dre-">whole profile over at Bloomberg</a>.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-is-going-to-start-paying-artists-per-stream-after-launch-2015-6" >Here's how much Apple is going to pay artists</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-lawyers-defend-beats-against-claims-it-cut-out-old-partner-from-sale-2015-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-by-dre-solo2-wireless-headphones-apple-unboxing-2015-4">Epic unboxing of the new Beats By Dre Solo2 wireless headphones</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-is-about-to-make-a-big-play-for-indie-music-publishers-2015-6Apple is about to make a big play for indie music publishershttp://www.businessinsider.com/apple-is-about-to-make-a-big-play-for-indie-music-publishers-2015-6
Tue, 16 Jun 2015 20:15:00 -0400Jessie Morris
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5580bb10ecad04d121b5c49d-1200-924/apple-music.jpg" border="0" alt="Apple music"></p><p>With two weeks until the official launch of the streaming music service, live global radio station and social platform​&nbsp;<a href="http://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/apple-offically-launces-new-music-streaming-service" target="_self">Apple Music</a>, details about the service continue to emerge.</p>
<p>In the latest report from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/6598253/apple-music-has-yet-to-contact-indie-publishers-but?utm_source=GooglePlus" target="_blank"><em>Billboard</em></a>, it appears that the streaming giant has yet to contact indie publishers regarding streaming rights.</p>
<p>The delay has many publishers assuming a&nbsp;bulk email will soon be sent with an opt-in contract attached.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As first reported by&nbsp;<em><a href="http://recode.net/2015/06/15/heres-what-happens-to-your-10-after-you-pay-for-a-month-of-apple-music/" target="_blank">Re/code</a></em>, Apple will reportedly offer indie music publishers a headline rate of 13.5% revenue (which is higher than the 12% it pays for iTunes Match and 10% it pays for iTunes Radio).</p>
<p>Apple will pay indie labels slightly higher rates than the industry standard, contributing to Apple Music's overall&nbsp;71.5% revenue sharing in return for making no royalty payments during the three-month free trial it will offer consumers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The trial period has already stirred up considerable controversy among indie labels since no payments will be made to publishers during that period as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/indie-artists-apple-music-royalties" target="_self">we previously reported</a>&nbsp;where&nbsp;an artist that releases music on the service between June 30 and September 30 will get no financial return.</p>
<p>That free trial means that Apple will have to send notices of intent (NOIs) to publishers with a list of the songs they plan to use and then make payment to publishers using a three-tier formula approved by the Copyright Royalty Board.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5580bbcb6da8116e15992e66-1200-800/ap142576336267.jpg" border="0" alt="Apple music"></p>
<p>Sources have told&nbsp;<a href="http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/6598253/apple-music-has-yet-to-contact-indie-publishers-but?utm_source=GooglePlus" target="_blank"><em>Billboard</em></a>&nbsp;that Apple is therefore offering a higher rate to sell indie publishers on its plan to hold off royalty payments until after its the three-month trial period to consumers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Therefore, while 13.5 percent is the standard, it is likely that full payment will include more than just that one tier to determine total royalties.</p>
<p>Look for Apple Music to be available June 30 for $9.99 per month after a three-month free trial period for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC. Apple TV and Android versions of the service will be available in the fall.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-is-about-to-make-a-big-play-for-indie-music-publishers-2015-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/when-cc-someone-email-rules-2015-5">Here's exactly when you should 'cc' someone on email</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/its-official-music-streaming-is-finally-bigger-than-downloads-2015-5IT'S OFFICIAL: Music streaming is finally bigger than downloadshttp://www.businessinsider.com/its-official-music-streaming-is-finally-bigger-than-downloads-2015-5
Tue, 12 May 2015 05:01:00 -0400Rob Price
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/55196780dd0895ca438b45a5-1200-924/jay-z-10.jpg" border="0" alt="Jay Z"></p><p>We've just hit a massive milestone in the evolution of the music industry: <a href="http://recode.net/2015/05/11/warner-music-says-streaming-revenue-has-passed-downloads-and-it-wants-more/">Re/code reports that for the first time</a>, a record label is reporting higher revenues from music streaming than paid downloads.</p>
<p>Warner Music Group has announced that its streaming revenues have passed those from digital downloads. CEO Stephen Cooper said "the rate of this growth has made it abundantly clear that in years to come, streaming will be the way people enjoy music," <a href="http://recode.net/2015/05/11/warner-music-says-streaming-revenue-has-passed-downloads-and-it-wants-more/">according to Re/code</a>. "We'll continue to collaborate with our streaming partners to expand their businesses, and more importantly, to ensure that copyright owners, artists, and songwriters receive appropriate value for their work."</p>
<p>Paid downloads have long been the primary way listeners consume music, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jan/06/downloads-physical-sales-us">with downloads overtaking physical sales in the US (by volume) back in 2012</a>. But downloads have gone into decline as faster internet connections have allowed the rise of streaming services, often offering users free access to libraries of millions of tracks, financially supported by ads.</p>
<p>This shift toward free music has left a sour taste in some artists' mouths, who feel the ad-supported model doesn't properly value their work. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-explains-why-she-left-spotify-2014-11">Singer Taylor Swift had a public spat with Spotify</a>, one of the largest streaming services, arguing that "there should be an inherent value placed on art" and that she "didn't see that happening, perception-wise," on the platform.</p>
<p>Similarly, rapper Jay Z recently acquired and relaunched the streaming service Tidal, which does not offer a free, ad-supported tier. The company aims to differentiate itself because it is "artist-owned" and offers high-quality music to users who pay for the most expensive tier.</p>
<p>This shift also underscores why Apple's expected launch of its own streaming service is important to the company. Through iTunes, Apple has long dominated the digital music business. But as digital downloads decline, it risks losing its industry-leading position to challengers like Spotify, Tidal, and others.</p>
<p>Though Apple is yet to make an official announcement, it is expected later this year to relaunch the Beats Music streaming service it acquired. The Cupertino company recently poached high-profile DJ Zane Lowe from BBC Radio 1, along with a number of other BBC employees. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-itunes-radio-music-streaming-rumours-2015-2">A source with knowledge of the matter also told us</a> Apple was trying to persuade musicians to put together curated streams and playlists and that Lowe was the "mastermind" behind the project.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/its-official-music-streaming-is-finally-bigger-than-downloads-2015-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/music-streaming-pandora-spotify-itunes-2014-5">If You're Going To Pay For Music — Pay For This</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-by-dre-solo2-wireless-headphones-apple-unboxing-2015-4Epic unboxing of the new Beats By Dre Solo2 wireless headphoneshttp://www.businessinsider.com/beats-by-dre-solo2-wireless-headphones-apple-unboxing-2015-4
Sun, 10 May 2015 09:47:00 -0400Joe Avella
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<p>We got our hands on the <a href="http://www.beatsbydre.com/collection-headphones/beats-solo2-wireless.html">Beats By Dre Solo2 wireless headphones</a>. They retail around $300. Are they worth it?</p>
<p><em>Produced by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/author/joe-avella">Joe Avella</a><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/author/will-wei"><br></a></em></p>
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</div><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-by-dre-solo2-wireless-headphones-apple-unboxing-2015-4#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-may-have-given-us-a-huge-clue-about-apples-plans-to-hurt-spotify-2015-5Taylor Swift may have given us a huge clue about Apple's plans to hurt Spotify (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-may-have-given-us-a-huge-clue-about-apples-plans-to-hurt-spotify-2015-5
Fri, 08 May 2015 06:55:00 -0400Jim Edwards
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/548d9e80dd089581188b4598-1200-900/taylor-swift-49.jpg" border="0" alt="taylor swift 49"></p><p>Apple appears to be <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/free-music-streaming-was-a-big-experiment--and-now-major-record-labels-are-declaring-it-a-failure-2015-5">planning a new music-streaming service</a> that will compete against apps such as Spotify and Pandora, which let listeners hear music for no charge (as long as they listen to ads).</p>
<p>We don't know exactly how this is going to work, so I asked a source who is an employee at Apple what was going on. My source told me to look at Taylor Swift. "Loads of big names left Spotify last year, and we all wondered why," my source says. Though Swift got all the headlines, my source points out that a bunch of other less famous artists did the same thing. <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/spotify-loses-streaming-rights-new-albums-justin-moore-brantley-gilbert-taylor-swift-garth-brooks-20141112">You can find a list of them here on Rolling Stone</a>.</p>
<p>The source also notes that while Apple rolled out a streaming product, iTunes Radio, last year, that rollout was restricted to the US. It hasn't reached Europe, probably because of music-licensing issues. That's why at Apple "we didn't get too excited" about the upgrade to iPhone's Music app to include iTunes Radio, my source says.</p>
<p>Music-licensing expenses and revenues are the key to the big streaming deal that Apple appears to be planning. Business Insider recently reported that <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/free-music-streaming-was-a-big-experiment--and-now-major-record-labels-are-declaring-it-a-failure-2015-5">music-industry execs are sick of the pitiful license fees they get from streaming music</a>, and they're tired of the idea that it is OK for consumers to pay nothing to listen to music.</p>
<p>Swift has had a lot to say on the topic of licensing and Apple's relationship to it.</p>
<p>Last year, Swift pulled her music catalogue from Spotify, complaining that it was giving her music away free. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-explains-why-she-left-spotify-2014-11">At the time, she told Time</a>:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">[People] can still listen to my music if they get it on iTunes. I'm always up for trying something. And I tried it and I didn't like the way it felt. I think there should be an inherent value placed on art.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">I didn't see that happening, perception-wise, when I put my music on Spotify. Everybody's complaining about how music sales are shrinking, but nobody's changing the way they're doing things. They keep running towards streaming, which is, for the most part, what has been shrinking the numbers of paid album sales.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">With Beats Music and Rhapsody you have to pay for a premium package in order to access my albums. And that places a perception of value on what I've created. On Spotify, they don't have any settings, or any kind of qualifications for who gets what music. I think that people should feel that there is a value to what musicians have created, and that's that.</p>
<p>Swift called out Apple's products by name in that quote, and slammed Spotify specifically, too.</p>
<p>Lo and behold! Nearly a year later, Apple is planning some sort of iTunes/Beats streaming product that will <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/spotify-chairman-martin-lorentzon-on-threat-from-jay-z-and-tidal-2015-5">hurt Spotify's provision of free streamed music</a>.</p>
<p>We don't know what Apple is planning specifically, but the fact that it is able to wrangle the biggest names in music to fight its cause — Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, T-Swift, Zane Lowe — gives you an idea of just how much the music industry wants this to happen, and how much of a threat it will be to Spotify and Pandora.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-may-have-given-us-a-huge-clue-about-apples-plans-to-hurt-spotify-2015-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/psychopath-jon-ronson-ceo-traits-2015-5">How to know if you're a psychopath</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/r-apples-beats-music-deals-under-us-scrutiny-bloomberg-2015-5Apple's Beats Music deals are now under FTC scrutinyhttp://www.businessinsider.com/r-apples-beats-music-deals-under-us-scrutiny-bloomberg-2015-5
Tue, 05 May 2015 23:16:00 -0400Reuters and Jim Edwards
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/554980515afbd37b728b4567-450-300/apples-beats-music-deals-under-us-scrutiny-bloomberg.jpg" border="0" alt="A man listens to Beats brand headphones on a street in New York, May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz "></p><p>Apple's move to line up deals with record labels is under US antitrust scrutiny as the iPhone maker prepares to debut a new version of the Beats Music streaming service, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-06/apple-said-under-u-s-scrutiny-over-deals-for-new-beats">Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter</a>.</p>
<p>The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is examining whether Apple is using its position as the top seller of music downloads through its iTunes store to put rival music services like Spotify at a disadvantage, according to Bloomberg.</p>
<p>Apple bought Beats last year hoping to win points with the music industry and turn Beats Music into a strong competitor to Spotify and other streaming services.</p>
<p>Apple and the FTC did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment outside regular business hours.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-06/apple-said-under-u-s-scrutiny-over-deals-for-new-beats">Here is the key section from the Bloomberg story:</a></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The FTC's inquiry could complicate Apple's planned revamp of Beats Music this summer. Apple has approached more than a dozen artists including Florence and the Machine for limited exclusive rights to music and partnerships to help bolster the service, people familiar with the effort have said.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">FTC officials have discussed Apple's practices with more than one record label, according to music-industry executives with knowledge of the matter.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The FTC's investigators, still in the early stages, of their inquiry, are asking whether Apple's efforts will change the way music labels work with other streaming services, for example curtailing ad-supported music and pushing more songs into paid tiers of service at higher rates, according to one of the people.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Apple hasn't made such demands on the labels, according to the music-industry executives.</p>
<p>That last sentence — that Apple has not demanded streaming apps curtail or end their provision of free music — is really interesting because <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/free-music-streaming-was-a-big-experiment--and-now-major-record-labels-are-declaring-it-a-failure-2015-5">music-industry execs are now widely in favor of ending free music</a>. Though apps like Spotify and Pandora pay record labels for their "free" music (and then recoup that by selling ads), record labels believe the practice has the long-term effect of teaching consumers that they need not ever pay for music. Vinyl, CD, and iTunes-style digital download sales have all collapsed as consumers have switched listening habits in the past few years to favor free, ad-supported streaming.</p>
<p>It would also be hugely risky for Apple to reach agreements with record labels that restrict them from also placing music on other services. That would look like anti-competitive behavior. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-its-insane-that-no-one-cares-about-apples-price-fixing-conspiracy-2013-7">Apple already lost a massive price-fixing case in the US</a> over its efforts to reach agreements with book publishers over the prices of online books. That case stemmed from a series of meetings in which Apple persuaded major publishers to all agree to raising prices at the same time, on the same terms, largely to hurt Amazon.</p>
<p><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-antitrust-lawsuit-on-itunes-and-ipod-2014-12">Apple was also accused, unsuccessfully, in a lawsuit of fixing prices on iTunes</a> when the iPod launched. No other music sellers were allowed to offer music that could be downloaded onto the iPod at the time, even if they offered lower prices.</p>
<p>So far, we haven't heard Apple's side of the arguments. People are assuming that Apple would love to gather artists and labels around its new product and have them launch first or exclusively with Apple in a way that would make all of them money. That would have a distorting effect on free streaming, leaving Apple open to the accusation that it uses its dominance of the iPhone business to hurt companies in the streaming world. But this may not be Apple's plan — and until we hear what that plan is, much of the speculation here is smoke with very little fire.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/s?q=apple+beats#ixzz3ZKC0sTsC" >Android is finally beating Apple in this one key metric</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-apples-beats-music-deals-under-us-scrutiny-bloomberg-2015-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/wingsuit-flight-over-new-york-city-red-bull-2015-3">This wingsuit flight over New York City is an adrenaline junkie's dream</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-pill-miley-cyrus-vmas-ads-2015-3Beats knew Miley Cyrus' twerk was going to happen weeks before the VMAs airedhttp://www.businessinsider.com/beats-pill-miley-cyrus-vmas-ads-2015-3
Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:22:47 -0400Lara O'Reilly
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/55142a1eecad045f77fff1da-1200-924/miley-cyrus-twerk-7.jpg" border="0" alt="miley cyrus twerk"></p><p>Beats and its advertising agency R/GA knew Miley Cyrus was going to have her famous "twerk" moment, grinding up to Robin Thicke during his rendition of "Blurred Lines" during the 2013 VMAs, two weeks before the awards ceremony actually aired.</p>
<p>In those two weeks, R/GA turned around an ad to appear right after the now-infamous twerk, which featured its "Pill" stereo speaker characters chilling on the sofa and mouthing off about Cyrus' "flat ass" and making references to Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back." It was pretty risque — one of the characters exclaimed "pleeeeassee feed Miley Cyrus" — but, nevertheless, it still aired on TV in the first commercial break after Thicke and Cyrus performed.</p>
<h3>Here's the ad:</h3>
<p><iframe width="850" height="450" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrIOO2EBVCk"></iframe></p>
<p>How was Beats and its agency able to achieve this? Well, in advertising, it pays to have contacts. And Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine is probably the most powerful man in the music industry.</p>
<p>Speaking at Advertising Week Europe in London on Thursday, R/GA's vice president and executive creative director, James Temple, explained how the agency and Beats are able to "create content at the speed of culture."</p>
<p>In the case of the Cyrus ad: "Robin Thicke has relationships with [Iovine's record label] Interscope and Miley is also from that stable of talent. So while these things have a level of secrecy, we have exposure to things that you wouldn't through a normal media buy, which gives us an advantage."</p>
<p>He added: "And that's the whole point: We don't exist around what's available to the media agency."</p>
<p>Another case in point was The Black Eyed Peas' performance at the 2011 Super Bowl half-time show. The Black Eyed Peas also have a relationship with Interscope.</p>
<p>Temple told the story: "They knew that there's a [camera] shot from the blimp [flying above the stadium] down to the stage. And the stage was a circle, which is a neat little pattern to stick a 'B' on it. So every time there was a shot from the blimp, it happened to be a Beats logo. So there they were ambushing the half-time show. An ad block like that during the half-time show would cost at least $4 million to $6 million for 30-seconds — but Beats got minutes-worth for nothing. And that's all because Will.i.am is part of the family."</p>
<h3>Here's the Black Eyed Peas performing on their B-shaped stage at the 2011 Super Bowl.</h3>
<p><iframe width="850" height="450" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zjz5H1ZrOuc"></iframe></p>
<p>Temple summarized: "We're very shrewd about working with moments and how you work outside the media buy and concept around it."</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/salma-hyatt-advertising-week-europe-2015-3" >Salma Hayek finally stops rebelling against social media and opens up Facebook and Instagram accounts</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-pill-miley-cyrus-vmas-ads-2015-3#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/2016-summer-olympic-preparations-rio-de-janeiro-500-days-2015-3">Here's what Rio looks like 500 days before the 2016 Olympics</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/v-moda-crossfade-m-100-headphones-review-2015-2Sorry, Beats: V-Moda might have you beat with these wired headphoneshttp://www.businessinsider.com/v-moda-crossfade-m-100-headphones-review-2015-2
Fri, 20 Feb 2015 14:44:05 -0500Dave Smith
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In December, I got a chance to try <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/v-moda-xs-headphones-review-2014-12">V-Moda’s $210 XS headphones</a>, which are petite and portable but ultimately imperfect. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">V-Moda's $299 Crossfade M-100 headphones look like a slightly larger version of those headphones, but they are vastly different — in a good way.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54e78a75eab8ea0651d8ea8a-1200-924/img_5992.jpg" border="0" alt="v-moda crossfade m100"><br></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The strengths of the Crossfade M-100s are the weaknesses of the XS headphones: The latter, smaller product didn’t offer enough balance sitting on one’s head, or even just playing music — the bass was given too much priority, leaving mids and highs sounding way too drowned out.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Crossfade M-100 headphones don’t have any of these problems: In fact, they might be the best-sounding pair of wired headphones I’ve ever worn. They sound better than many of the headphones on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-headphones-2015-1">this list</a>.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/54e78aca6da8119643885284-1200-924/v-moda-crossfade-m100.jpg" border="0" alt="v-moda crossfade m100"></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The sound quality and balance of the Crossfade M-100s is far improved over the XS headphones: Audio comes through crystal clear, and the bass doesn't drown out mids or highs, which sound super crisp and clear. Songs felt detailed and layered, and I got no sense of distortion in any of the music I tried listening to, no matter the genre. You won’t find better sound quality from a pair of wired headphones.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Unlike the on-ear XS headphones, which felt like they might fall off from too much head movement, the over-the-ear Crossfade M-100’s sat on my head with no problems. They’re also super portable: the cups can be folded in, and you can pack the headphones in a neat carrying case V-Moda gives you with your purchase.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There are a few issues worth noting, however: Business Insider's Jay Yarow noticed there was an unpleasant scratching sound whenever the headphone wire bristled against his jacket, and it's true, it's there. For some reason, the headphone's wires create an annoying scratching noise whenever they rub up against anything, especially towards the top of the cord. While walking, or on a windy day, this can definitely affect your listening experience. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I had no issues with overall comfort, but Jay said the headphones felt a bit uncomfortable after wearing them for a long time, despite the padded headband. Still, he says the V-Moda product sounds better than his <a href="http://www.beatsbydre.com/headphones/beats-solo2.html">Beats Solo2 headphones</a>, and I'd argue they're even a little better than Audio Technica's bestselling ATH-M50 headphones.<br></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54e78aff69bedded556dff0a-1200-924/img_5987-2.jpg" border="0" alt="v-moda crossfade m100"><br></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In all, there’s a lot to love about the Crossfade M-100s. The soundstage is truly spectacular — deep and yet so sharp — and the physical design is durable, attractive, and super portable for a pair of wired headphones. Hopefully V-Moda figures out how to make sure its wires don’t create unwanted noise just by making contact with an object, but if you’re mostly using these headphones while sitting, you won’t notice any issues. These are special headphones sure to please audiophiles and wow any casual listeners.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-Over-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B00A39PPDK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1424380550&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=v-moda+crossfade+m-100">Buy it here</a>.</span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-headphones-2015-1" >These are the best headphones you can buy</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/v-moda-crossfade-m-100-headphones-review-2015-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-headphones-tricks-2015-2">14 things you didn't know your iPhone headphones could do</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-apples-plan-for-beats-music-2015-2Apple is planning to launch a Spotify killer that costs less money (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-apples-plan-for-beats-music-2015-2
Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:56:00 -0500Sam Colt
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54888349ecad04e9408b4567-480-/apple-beats-21.jpg" border="0" alt="apple beats" width="480"></p><p></p>
<p>Apple is planning to release a music-streaming service this year that will go straight after Spotify.</p>
<p>Apple is working on a plan to integrate Beats Music's streaming service into iOS, iTunes, and Apple TV, <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2015/02/04/apple-beats-cheaper-android-ios/">according to 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman</a>.</p>
<p>Apple<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-buys-beats-2014-5"> bought Beats last May for $3 billion</a>, its largest acquisition to date.</p>
<p>Here's what you need to know:</p>
<ul>
<li>Apple is rebranding Beats Music and will ditch its red-and-black color scheme</li>
<li>Users will be able to keep their music in the cloud or on specific devices</li>
<li>The service is rumored to cost&nbsp;<span>$7.99 a month, less than competitors like Spotify Premium, which cost $9.99 per month</span></li>
<li><span>Apple is developing an Android application that will incorporate Beats music streaming</span></li>
<li><span>A source told 9to5Mac that "<span>Beats integration is not going so well"</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>The rebrand has reportedly taken longer than anticipated because of a lack of clarity from Apple execs</span></span></li>
</ul><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-buys-beats-2014-5" >It's Official: Apple Buying Beats For $3 Billion</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-apples-plan-for-beats-music-2015-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/bethany-mota-youtube-fans-video-reviews-2014-12">Why Bethany Mota Has A Legion Of 10 Million Fans Waiting For Her Next YouTube Video</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/dr-dre-selling-la-house-2015-1HOUSE OF THE DAY: Rapper Dr. Dre Has Sold His Gorgeous Los Angeles Mansion For $32.5 Millionhttp://www.businessinsider.com/dr-dre-selling-la-house-2015-1
Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:19:00 -0500Megan Willett
<p><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/53974fd3eab8ea0d5f457b27-830-550/dre with home.jpg" border="0" alt="dr dre with los angeles old home"></p><p>The celebrity news website <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2015/01/29/dr-dre-home-sold-photos-mansion-hollywood-hills/">TMZ is reporting</a> that rapper, producer, and Beats Electronics tycoon Dr. Dre has sold his Los Angeles home for $32.5 million.</p>
<p>Dre bought the six-bedroom home in December 2011 for $15.4 million through a trust, according to property records. He <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dr-dre-selling-la-house-2014-6">listed the property</a>&nbsp;for $35 million in June.</p>
<p>The mansion spans 9,696 square feet and overlooks downtown Los Angeles from the Hollywood Hills.</p>
<p>The music mogul&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dr-dre-tom-brady-gisele-house-2014-5" target="_blank">bought Tom Brady and Giselle Bündchen's Brentwood, California, home</a> for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dr-dre-buys-tom-brady-gisele-house-for-40-million-2014-6" target="_blank">$40 million</a>&nbsp;in May. His new house will have a moat, terraces, and an infinity pool.</p>
<p>Apple <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-buys-beats-2014-5" target="_blank">announced in May that it would buy</a>&nbsp;Beats Electronics for a whopping $3 billion. The rapper and entrepreneur is worth a reported $800 million after the deal.</p><h3>Dr. Dre has now sold this six-bedroom mansion for $32.5 million.</h3>
<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/539740b7eab8ea9a2e457b1e-400-300/dr-dre-has-now-sold-this-six-bedroom-mansion-for-325-million.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>The gated home is in Hollywood Hills West, and it has 9,696 square feet with a wine cellar, library, and guesthouse.</h3>
<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/539740b8eab8ea0d2e457b20-400-300/the-gated-home-is-in-hollywood-hills-west-and-it-has-9696-square-feet-with-a-wine-cellar-library-and-guesthouse.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>The home also has a covetable flat backyard.</h3>
<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/539740b86bb3f76f42457b1e-400-300/the-home-also-has-a-covetable-flat-backyard.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dr-dre-selling-la-house-2015-1#as-well-as-a-gorgeous-infinity-pool-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/everything-apple-will-unveil-this-year-2015-1Here's Everything Apple Will Unveil This Year (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/everything-apple-will-unveil-this-year-2015-1
Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:23:01 -0500Sam Colt
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/522f56216da811c1404b399a-480-/apple-tim-cook-september-10-product-event.jpg" border="0" alt="apple tim cook september 10 product event" width="480">Last year was full of Apple product announcements, with two new iPhones and the announcement of the Apple Watch.</span></p>
<p>But the company never slows down.</p><h3>The Apple Watch is expected to come out this spring, probably in March. We've seen photos and demos, but we still don't know what it will be like to use on a day-to-day basis.</h3>
<img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/548f0c206bb3f7a03b46bc79-400-300/the-apple-watch-is-expected-to-come-out-this-spring-probably-in-march-weve-seen-photos-and-demos-but-we-still-dont-know-what-it-will-be-like-to-use-on-a-day-to-day-basis.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>Apple has shown us the Watch's new operating system. Here's what it looks like on an iPhone.</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/544fa0936bb3f7f03db3adc2-400-300/apple-has-shown-us-the-watchs-new-operating-system-heres-what-it-looks-like-on-an-iphone.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>Here's what a game on the Apple Watch might look like. The Apple Watch's battery will reportedly sustain 2.5-4 hours of active use.</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54c029086bb3f72b316c72da-400-300/heres-what-a-game-on-the-apple-watch-might-look-like-the-apple-watchs-battery-will-reportedly-sustain-25-4-hours-of-active-use.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/everything-apple-will-unveil-this-year-2015-1#the-apple-watch-will-force-the-company-to-redesign-its-stores-maybe-well-see-wooden-showcases-like-this-one-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/monster-sues-beats-jimmy-iovine-and-dr-dre-2015-1Monster Is Accusing Beats, Dr. Dre, And Jimmy Iovine Of Making A 'Sham' Dealhttp://www.businessinsider.com/monster-sues-beats-jimmy-iovine-and-dr-dre-2015-1
Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:01:00 -0500Matt Rosoff
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/53d2beff69bedd846a820418-600-/beats-office-dre-iovine-1.jpg" border="0" alt="beats office dre iovine" width="600"></p><p>The audio-equipment maker Monster is suing Beats and its cofounders, Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, as well as the phone company HTC. Monster is accusing them of tricking Monster out of partial ownership of the company, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27269691/monster-sues-beats-severing-ties-ahead-apple-acquisition">the San Jose Mercury News reports</a>.</p>
<p>Apple purchased Beats last year for $3.2 billion but is not named in the lawsuit.</p>
<p>The suit goes back to an early partnership between Monster and Beats. Monster helped Beats develop its iconic line of headphones, which launched in 2008. </p>
<p><span>The lawsuit, filed in San Mateo County Superior Court on Tuesday, claims that</span> Beats then engaged in a "sham deal" with HTC. Under that deal, HTC purchased 51% of the company for $300 million. Beats then repurchased 25.5% of those shares less than a month later, the suit alleges. This triggered a change of ownership clause that let Beats legally claim the intellectual property developed by the company, the suit says.</p>
<p>Also in the lawsuit, Monster CEO Noel Lee says a Beats board member, Paul Wachtel, told him in September 2013 that no liquidity event was on the horizon. With that information, Lee sold his 1.25% stake in the company for $5.5 million. </p>
<p>A few months later, in May 2014, Apple agreed to buy Beats for $3.2 billion. That stake would have been worth about $40 million. Lee previously owned 5% of the company, which would have been worth more than $100 million.</p>
<p>Monster's lawyer, Joe Cotchett, told the Mercury News that the damage to Monster was in the "hundreds of millions" of dollars.</p>
<h3><strong><br>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mit-cheetah-robot-run-jump-military-2015-1">Robot Funded By The US Military Can Sprint And Jump Just Like A Cheetah</a></strong></h3>
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<h3><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mit-cheetah-robot-run-jump-military-2015-1"></a></strong></h3><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/monster-sues-beats-jimmy-iovine-and-dr-dre-2015-1#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-ceo-jimmy-iovine-talking-to-musicians-about-exclusive-itunes-albums-2014-12Apple Is Using Jimmy Iovine's Music Connections To Try And Secure Exclusive Albums For iTunes (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-ceo-jimmy-iovine-talking-to-musicians-about-exclusive-itunes-albums-2014-12
Mon, 29 Dec 2014 09:34:39 -0500Steven Tweedie
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/543ecef669bedd51067e8468-1200-924/dr-dre-and-jimmy-iovine-at-usc-70-million-donation-3.jpg" border="0" alt="dr. dre and jimmy iovine at usc $70 million donation"></p><p>When Beyoncé's fifth studio album launched exclusively on iTunes last year, nobody was expecting it.</p>
<p>The album was a total surprise. But even without any pre-album hype or promotion, the album dominated the charts, selling more than 800,000 copies in the first three days.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span>That album, "Beyoncé," was an iTunes success story, and it's currently the fastest-selling album in iTunes history.</span></p>
<p>What isn't a surprise is that Apple wants to recreate some of this same success, and it's using Beats CEO Jimmy Iovine's connections with musicians to strike more deals, <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/12/28/beats-music-lining-up-talent-for-exclusive-releases/">according to a new report from the New York Post</a>, citing its own "music industry spies."</p>
<p>Since Iovine is already friends with musicians like Pharrell, Nicki Minaj, and Gwen Stefani, Iovine is reportedly now in "<span>fresh talks with artists about doing exclusives."</span></p>
<p>Earlier this year, Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion. Apple CEO Tim Cook called Iovine a "creative genius" who <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-full-interview-with-charlie-rose-with-transcript-2014-9">"</a><span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-full-interview-with-charlie-rose-with-transcript-2014-9">has a deep knowledge of the musical industry,</a>" and it looks like this could be our first example of Apple cashing in on some of Iovine's connections.</span><span><br></span></p>
<p><span>In addition to negotiating deals for an iTunes exclusive release, Iovine is also looking to explore new promotions for Beats Music, after the music streaming service saw success with a series of AT&amp;T-sponsored Super Bowl TV spots starring Ellen DeGeneres last year.</span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-iphone-apps-2014-12?" >The First 21 Apps To Download For Your New iPhone 6</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/beats-ceo-jimmy-iovine-talking-to-musicians-about-exclusive-itunes-albums-2014-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/robert-brunner-what-i-learned-at-apple-2014-12Apple's Former Director Of Design Reveals The Most Important Thing He Learned While Working At Applehttp://www.businessinsider.com/robert-brunner-what-i-learned-at-apple-2014-12
Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:03:23 -0500Steven Tweedie
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54906c32eab8ead334163a6f-1200-924/robert-brunner.jpg" border="0" alt="Robert Brunner"></p><p>"When I die ... my tombstone is going to say, 'The guy who hired Jonathan Ive,'" industrial designer Robert Brunner <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqJVHe6LN4E">joked in 2007.</a></p>
<p>Brunner is the founder of the design firm <a href="http://www.ammunitiongroup.com/">Ammunition</a>, which has designed hardware and software for Beats, Adobe, Polaroid, and Square.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Brunner is best known, however, for his work at Apple, where he was the director of industrial design from 1989 to 1997.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">During his time with Apple, Brunner was tasked with building Apple's design team, which would eventually lead to him hiring Jony Ive.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">That was a while ago, of course, but it was really important and formational for me," Brunner recently told Business Insider. "<span id="docs-internal-guid-ac0e22d3-5412-ab03-7b6f-65a98d86736a"><span>I remember thinking 'If any company in the world could have an amazing design organization, it would be Apple, right?' And at that point it didn’t have one. So that was the task I undertook, to build a really great design organization within the company."</span></span></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span><span>Brunner says his time at Apple taught him about the importance of immersing yourself within the company you're designing for, which Brunner says is the only way to truly have an impact.</span></span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"It was a fantastic experience, and what it really taught me<span>—</span>and what you don’t learn when you’re a hired gun<span>—</span>is the depth that you need to be involved in the business to make things happen," Brunner said. "It was actually very formational to me to be very involved in a lot of things, in addition to the traditional aspects to industrial design; helping to shape products and bring them to market, and do that through a society and a culture with thousands and thousands of very smart people."</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>It's a lesson that Brunner says he has taken with him to his new design firm, Ammunition.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54906d4deab8ea5c38163a6f-1024-576/ammunition_work_beats_brandid04-wpcf_1024x576.jpg" border="0" alt="Ammunition Beats Solo"><br></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"That was a very important thing that really leads to a lot of what we’re doing now at Ammunition and how we work with companies, getting very embedded with them, understanding their culture, and working with their leadership to help them make things happen," Brunner said. "Because ultimately that's our job. In addition to doing great design, it's our job to actually make things happen, to get products out in the world, and to get them out done well. Those are all things I learned at Apple."</span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/flappy-bird-is-most-searched-for-game-according-to-google-2014-12" >The Most Popular Game Of 2014 Was Made In Less Than Three Days</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/robert-brunner-what-i-learned-at-apple-2014-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-everything-apple-will-unveil-next-year-2014-12Here's Everything Apple Will Unveil Next Year (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-everything-apple-will-unveil-next-year-2014-12
Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:33:00 -0500Sam Colt
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/53c64e96ecad04941751b84b-480-/tim-cooke-10.jpg" border="0" alt="Tim Cooke" width="480"></p><p></p>
<p>This was a pretty big year for Apple product announcements, with a new big iPhone and the announcement of the Apple Watch.</p>
<p>But the company never slows down.</p><h3>The Apple Watch is expected to come out this spring. We've seen photos, but we still don't know what it will be like to use.</h3>
<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/548878b069bedd043b8b4569-400-300/the-apple-watch-is-expected-to-come-out-this-spring-weve-seen-photos-but-we-still-dont-know-what-it-will-be-like-to-use.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>Apple has shown us the Watch's new operating system. Here's what it looks like on an iPhone.</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/544fa0936bb3f7f03db3adc2-400-300/apple-has-shown-us-the-watchs-new-operating-system-heres-what-it-looks-like-on-an-iphone.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>The Apple Watch will force the company to redesign its stores. Maybe we'll see wooden showcases like this one.</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54860ad6eab8ea4316249c01-400-300/the-apple-watch-will-force-the-company-to-redesign-its-stores-maybe-well-see-wooden-showcases-like-this-one.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-everything-apple-will-unveil-next-year-2014-12#apple-is-expected-to-launch-a-super-sized-ipad-next-year-people-are-calling-it-the-ipad-pro-or-ipad-plus-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-plan-beats-dre-cook-2014-11This Could Be Apple's Secret Plan To Rule The Music Industryhttp://www.businessinsider.com/apple-plan-beats-dre-cook-2014-11
Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:44:00 -0500Brad Reed
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54656abe6bb3f7af4cc7e876-1200-500/rtr3rg66.jpg" border="0" alt="Beats Headphones"></p><p>It’s safe to say that&nbsp;<a href="http://bgr.com/tag/apple">Apple</a>&nbsp;didn’t buy Beats primarily for&nbsp;<a href="http://bgr.com/2014/09/01/why-are-beats-so-expensive/">its overpriced and overrated headphones</a>. Instead, it’s more likely that Apple bought&nbsp;<a href="http://bgr.com/tag/beats">Beats</a>&nbsp;because many of its executives — most notably Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre and Trent Reznor — all have extensive connections and influence in the music industry. With these influential music industry figures on board,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aboveavalon.com/notes/2014/11/11/apples-3-billion-bet-on-reinventing-the-music-industry" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">argues Neil Cybart</a>, Apple can create a music streaming service around Beats Music that will offer artists significantly more value than what they’re getting from Spotify.</p>
<p>Taking a look at some of the recent tension that’s come up between artists and streaming services, such as the major dustup between Spotify and Taylor Swift, Cybart imagines Apple developing a music streaming service that offers artists much more control over their product than anything else on the market today.</p>
<p>What does this entail? Cybart imagines the following features: “Music is free, but delivered via a platform where artists rely on software to monetize the brand (image and personality) through merchandising, advertisements, sponsorships;&nbsp;Artists have access to information on their fans;&nbsp;Artists can set up their own tours including ticket sales, booking venues, and even PR circuits through third-party apps;&nbsp;New talent can transition from discovery to monetization quickly without many barriers;&nbsp;The definition of ‘music artist’ becomes boarder to emphasize a wider range of content creators.”</p>
<p>So in other words, the streaming service would be just one tiny part of what Beats Music would offer. The real meat of it is that it would serve as a hub for artists to manage their entire careers and not just music sales.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aboveavalon.com/notes/2014/11/11/apples-3-billion-bet-on-reinventing-the-music-industry" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">whole essay is worth reading</a>&nbsp;and can be found at the source link below.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.aboveavalon.com/notes/2014/11/11/apples-3-billion-bet-on-reinventing-the-music-industry">http://www.aboveavalon.com/notes/2014/11/11/apples-3-billion-bet-on-reinventing-the-music-industry</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-plan-beats-dre-cook-2014-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-beats-commercial-2014-10Beats Releases An Intense Ad About LeBron's Return To Clevelandhttp://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-beats-commercial-2014-10
Mon, 20 Oct 2014 09:27:00 -0400Leah Goldman
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54450b1deab8ea206f10fec5-1000-424/screen-shot-2014-10-20-at-9.15.jpg" border="0" alt="LeBron James beats commercial"></p><p></p>
<p>As we all know by now, LeBron James is back home with the Cavaliers. James' decision was a huge deal for both the NBA and the city of Cleveland. </p>
<p>Beats made this clear with a new ad featuring LeBron driving the streets of Akron, where he grew up and went to high school. The song "Take Me to Church" plays as LeBron goes through an intense workout in his high school gym, with scenes of him as a kid and shots of the dingy apartments and empty fridges of his childhood playing in tandem. It's pretty powerful and very intense.</p>
<p>Just a kid from Akron, Ohio:</p>
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<p class="embed-spacer"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-work-ethic-2014-3" >14 Examples Of LeBron James' Incredible Work Ethic</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-beats-commercial-2014-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/kaepernick-tapes-over-beats-logo-2014-10Colin Kaepernick Put Tape Over The Beats Logo On His Headphones After $10,000 Finehttp://www.businessinsider.com/kaepernick-tapes-over-beats-logo-2014-10
Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:40:00 -0400Tony Manfred
<p><img class="full" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/543d32556bb3f7f54c82c87b-1200-706/kaepernick-beats.jpg" border="0" alt="kaepernick beats"></p><p>The NFL<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/colin-kaepernick-fined-10000-for-wearing-beats-2014-10"> fined Colin Kaepernick $10,000</a> for wearing Beats headphones in his postgame press conference after Week 5.</p>
<p>Bose has an exclusive headphone sponsorship deal with the NFL.</p>
<p>As <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/10/12/nfl-players-are-still-wearing-beats-by-dre-and-daring-the-nfl-to-fine-them/?tid=hpModule_a4df998e-86a7-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394&amp;hpid=z14">Cindy Boren of the Washington Post reports</a>, there's a 90-minute window after each game where players cannot promote any apparel from a company that isn't an NFL partner. It's an NFL policy, not a Bose policy. Just as Robert Griffin III <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/19/griffin-fined-10000-for-post-game-attire-in-week-14/">isn't allowed to wear Adidas gear after games</a> because of the NFL's deal with Nike, Kaepernick isn't allowed to wear Beats.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a seeming effort to avoid another $10,000 fine, Kaepernick taped over the Beats logo on his pink Beats headphones after beating the Rams on Monday night.</p>
<p>CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco <a href="http://instagram.com/p/uHpW0lPtDa/">got a close-up picture</a>:</p>
<p><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/543d317ceab8ea415e8e961c-900-901/kaepernick-beats-headphones.jpg" border="0" alt="kaepernick beats headphones"></p>
<p>The NFL generally doesn't fine players for wearing non-partner apparel before games, yet. That's why <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-players-still-wearing-beats-despite-fines-2014-10">a bunch of NFL players were spotted wearing Beats</a> before their Week 6 games, despite the Kaepernick fine in Week 5:</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/543ad848eab8ea2173128191-1200-816/richard-sherman-18.jpg" border="0" alt="richard sherman"></p>
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/543ad9ce6bb3f79a2a177599-1200-800/peko-beats.jpg" border="0" alt="peko beats"></p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/543ad93369bedd975f64f270-1200-800/brady-4.jpg" border="0" alt="brady"></p>
<p>Kaepernick himself wore Beats earbuds before Monday night's game. It's unclear if the NFL will start enforcing its sponsorship policy in pregame warm-ups as well.</p>
<p><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/543d33916bb3f7755282c877-1200-798/kaepernick-beats-3.jpg" border="0" alt="kaepernick beats"></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/kaepernick-tapes-over-beats-logo-2014-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-players-still-wearing-beats-despite-fines-2014-10NFL Players Are Still Wearing Beats Headphones Despite Fineshttp://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-players-still-wearing-beats-despite-fines-2014-10
Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:59:00 -0400Leah Goldman
<p>Colin Kaepernick <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/colin-kaepernick-fined-10000-for-wearing-beats-2014-10">was recently fined $10,000 for wearing Beats headphones at a press conference</a> because the NFL has an exclusive deal with Bose. All of the coaches and other personnel on the sidelines wear Bose headphones, and the exclusive deal means that players and coaches are not allowed to wear any other brand of headphones in front of cameras.</p>
<p>But Kaepernick's fine isn't stopping players from wearing Beats during warm-ups. As <a href="http://deadspin.com/players-dont-care-about-nfl-fines-still-wearing-beats-1645454816">Deadspin pointed out</a>, Cam Newton, Tom Brady, Richard Sherman, and Bengals defensive tackles all wore Beats Sunday.</p>
<p>Newton also has an endorsement deal with Beats:</p>
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Cam Newton on the field pregame getting ready to take on the Bengals defense. <a href="http://t.co/NV7gEB8RGN">pic.twitter.com/NV7gEB8RGN</a> </p>— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/521328955014385664">October 12, 2014</a>
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<p>As does Sherman:</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/543ad848eab8ea2173128191-1200-816/richard-sherman-18.jpg" border="0" alt="richard sherman"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">But Brady and Peko must just prefer Beats to Bose:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/543ad93369bedd975f64f270-1200-800/brady-4.jpg" border="0" alt="brady"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/543ad9ce6bb3f79a2a177599-1200-800/peko-beats.jpg" border="0" alt="peko beats"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">As Re/code reported, the policy is the NFL's, not Bose's. The NFL's statement:</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><span>"The NFL has longstanding policies that prohibit branded exposure on-field or during interviews unless authorized by the league. These policies date back to the early 1990s and continue today. They are the NFL's policies — not one of the league's sponsors, Bose in this case. Bose is not involved in the enforcement of our policies. This is true for others on-field."</span><span><br></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><span>But as Beats point out, Beats headphones have become a staple in many athletes' wardrobes over the past several years. Beats' statement:</span></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><span><span>"Over the last few years athletes have written Beats into their DNA as part of the pre-game ritual. Music can have a significant positive effect on an athlete’s focus and mental preparedness and has become as important to performance as any other piece of equipment."</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><span><span>It will be interesting to see if players disregard the NFL completely and keep wearing their preferred headphones, or if the NFL will slap them with worse fine and they'll have to obey.</span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><br></span></span></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-players-still-wearing-beats-despite-fines-2014-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/bose-dismisses-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-beats-2014-10Bose Agrees To Dismiss Its Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Beatshttp://www.businessinsider.com/bose-dismisses-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-beats-2014-10
Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:13:22 -0400Randall Chase
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54381ff96bb3f7891a4e1bee-1200-924/beats-dre-lebron-5.jpg" border="0" alt="beats dre lebron"></p><p>DOVER, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for Bose Corp. and Beats Electronics have agreed to dismiss a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Bose.</p>
<p>Bose alleged in federal court in Delaware in July that Beats was infringing on several Bose patents regarding noise-cancelling headphones. Bose filed a parallel complaint with the International Trade Commission seeking to halt U.S. imports of Beats Studio and Beats Studio Wireless headphones.</p>
<p>Attorneys for Beats had filed an unopposed motion asking that the Delaware lawsuit be put on hold pending a final determination by the ITC, which is investigating Bose's claims.</p>
<p>Apple announced in May that it was buying Beats Electronics for $2.6 billion in cash and $400 million in stock, the most expensive acquisition in Apple's 38-year history. In addition to making headphones, Beats offers music streaming services.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-bose-audio-retail-stores-2014-10" >REPORT: Apple May Remove All Bose Audio Products From Its Retail Stores</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/bose-dismisses-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-beats-2014-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p>